Top Five: Free-Kick specialists

Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best dead-ball specialists in world football.

The Welshman added to his growing reputation with an emphatic brace against Lyon on Thursday, with both free kicks deceiving goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre completely in a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane.

Bale has always taken set-pieces, ever since his time as a young professional coming through the ranks at Southampton. However, he’s changed his style to match the growing trend of players who hit the ball ‘front-on’ with their laces.

Check out the list below, and let us know who you think should be on the list…

Cristiano Ronaldo

Already one of the all-time greats, the Real Madrid superstar has made a style his own by approaching the ball on tip-toes and striking the ‘valve’ with his laces.

Able to get both dip and swerve on the ball, the 28-year-old has inspired a number of players – including Bale – to copy this affective approach.

Best free-kick: He’s had a few, but the strike against Portsmouth at Old Trafford remains one of the greats. Watch it here: http://youtu.be/smnOWsLmXI8

Juninho Pernambucano

Perhaps the best free-kick taker of the lot, Juninho was capable of scoring from just about anywhere inside the opposition half from a dead ball situation.

Currently plying his trade with the New York Red Bulls, the Brazilian international was able to strike the ball flat with his laces or whip around a defensive wall. His ability to do both often left keepers fearing the worst before a shot came their way.

Best free-kick: So many good ones it’s hard to choose, but the strike against Bayern Munich in the Champions League was a bit special. Watch it here: http://youtu.be/AXBKmUzOWvs

David Beckham

Over a decade-and-a-half after bursting onto the scene at Manchester United, Beckham is still best remembered for his free-kick ability.

The PSG star wasn’t a bad crosser of the ball either, but if a foul was committed around the box, Beckham’s arm-swinging style and ability to ‘bend it’ would always cause problems.

Best free-kick: When it comes to Beckham, there can only be one moment – the equaliser for England against Greece in a 2002 World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford. Watch it here: http://youtu.be/t0GESlaVNdE

Roberto Carlos

Another Brazilian makes the list, and this time it’s the left-back with a rocket in his foot.

Roberto Carlos certainly gave it a good wallop when he fancied it, and when it came off, it was always something very special.

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